France to try 14 over deadliest Channel migrant disaster

France will try 14 individuals in connection with the deadliest Channel migrant disaster, as defendants linked to people-smuggling networks face charges including manslaughter and criminal conspiracy for roles ranging from drivers to organizers.

The sinking, in the early hours of November 24, 2021, left 27 confirmed dead and four unaccounted for, most of them Iraqi Kurds. A separate probe is examining at least seven French military personnel for failing to assist. The case follows a UK inquiry that found some deaths could have been avoided with swifter rescues, and last year about 41,000 people crossed the Channel.